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Swisher makes return to Yankees' lineup

Swisher makes return to Yankees' lineup

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Nick Swisher

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NEW YORK -- Nick Swisher took part in his regular early batting practice routine Tuesday with Robinson Cano and hitting coach Kevin Long, and he came out of it feeling good enough to return to the Yankees' lineup and play right field against Atlanta.

He sustained a bone bruise in his left thigh Saturday, when he collided with Nationals catcher Jesus Flores' knee while sliding into home plate. Swisher took Sunday and Monday off, but he took swings and ran Tuesday afternoon and felt fine.

"I feel great, I feel good," Swisher said. "I feel a little bit of pain, but they told me this isn't an injury you can hurt worse unless you bang it on something again. Hopefully, that doesn't happen."

Swisher felt discomfort taking batting practice Monday, particularly when hitting left-handed, but he said there are no restrictions for his return to the lineup. Manager Joe Girardi watched Swisher run and said he would have considered using him as a designated hitter if he felt Swisher was not 100 percent, but that was not the case.